Messiah Lifeways plans $73M expansion

A groundbreaking for Messiah Lifeways' Village Square is planned for fall 2015. - (Photo / Submitted)

Messiah Lifeways is planning a $73 million expansion of Messiah Village, its continuing care retirement community in Cumberland County.

Plans will be formally presented to the Upper Allen Township planning commission on July 28, according to a news release.

The expansion is designed to meet the “changing needs of future generations and their families,” the faith-based nonprofit said, and is part of Project Envision, "a mission-driven strategic plan that looks ahead to 2035."

In the first phase of Project Envision, Messiah plans to build Village Square, "an innovative town village concept featuring 80 spacious apartment homes with underground parking and numerous lifestyle amenities including a wellness and enrichment center, spa, and bistro open both to residents and the public aged '55 and better,'" the release says.

"The first phase of Project Envision will also include the addition of 26 new large apartments in the Enhanced Living/personal care neighborhoods and the addition of two new nursing neighborhoods that will yield a total of 64 highly sought-after private rooms," it says.

According to Curt Stutzman, CEO of Messiah, groundbreaking is planned for fall 2015, with completion of the first phase about a year later and the first residents anticipated early in 2017.

“We believe that there are many ways to embrace the journey of growing older. Project Envision and all its strategic components are meant to change the conversation — and offer inspired, purposeful choices for many lifestyles. Whether you are aging in place in the community, visiting our wellness and enrichment programs, caring for a loved one, or dreaming of an active, independent lifestyle, Messiah Lifeways can meet your needs,” said Stutzman.

Messiah developed Messiah Village in 1978; it has residential cottages, private apartments and personal care and skilled nursing residences. Messiah also says it continues to expand its mission through community services, including adult day care centers, life coaching, home care, rehab and a grassroots age-in-place membership program. The organization served nearly 2,400 persons this year, it says.